Ok I have built a 496 bbc, aluminum heads, aluminum radiator, duel 10 electric fans pulling air through rad, 195 hi flow thermostat, electric water pump, timing set at 16 degrees, running 98 octane fuel, 11.5 comp.
Question I have that I can't seem to find an answer on is, it seems to run hot 220-225 on the gauge, but you grab the hoses and there cold then all of a suden they get hot and it cools down to 200. I have changed the autometer electric gauge to a mechanical with no change. I can't find anyone that can tell me if this is normal, one guy that builds engines says don't worry about it just run it as long as it doesn't get past 240 degrees which I will if I can get someone that has experianced something similar to say theres never had a problem. Any help would be great just don't want to kill it before it hits the trails.